Institute on Biotechnology and the Human Future

Big Issues & Small Science: Addressing the Socially Responsible Development of Nanotechnology

A Chicago Nano Forum Event Hosted by
IIT’s Center on Nanotechnology and Society

Thursday, October 5, 2006, 5:30 p.m.
Chicago-Kent College of Law Auditorium

While science and technology conducted at the nanoscale deal with the most minute constituents of matter, they may give rise to ethical issues of gargantuan proportion. Those issues must be addressed proactively and head on by science, industry, and government to ensure nano meets its big potential as the economic driver. This win-win approach to nano R&D and nano commercialization is not only the most socially responsible path but it is also the most fiscally savvy course for the nascent technology’s long-term viability. To that end, legal, business, and regulatory experts will share their views on how to achieve the socially responsible development of nanotechnology.

George Nassos, Ph.D., director of the environmental management program and professor at IIT’s Stuart School of Business; and

Michael Radnor, Ph.D., professor of management and organizations at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and director of the Center for Technology Innovation Management.

Nigel M. de S. Cameron, Ph.D., director of IIT’s Center on Nanotechnology and Society (Nano & Society), and associate dean and research professor of bioethics at Chicago-Kent College of Law, will provide introductory remarks. The panel will be moderated by Michele Mekel, J.D., M.H.A., M.B.A., associate director/legal fellow of Nano & Society.

Cosponsored by:
Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management
Center for Technology Innovation Management
IIT’s Stuart School of Business

Endorsed by: Chicago Microtechnology and Nanotechnology Community

Research Assistants Wanted

Research Professor Nigel M. de S. Cameron and the Institute on Biotechnology and the Human Future/Center on Nanotechnology and Society at Chicago-Kent are hiring graduate students as paid research assistants this fall to conduct research on emerging biotechnologies and their effect on law, intellectual property regimes, public health, medicine, genetics, public policy and the environment. Students will be expected to research and analyze various topics in biotechnology and effectively draft memoranda on the technological aspects, as well as the ethical, legal and social impacts. All applicants must possess strong research and writing abilities. We are considering graduate students in appropriate fields working toward a Master of Science, Ph.D. or J.D. The time commitment will be approximately 10-15 hours per week. Please e-mail a resume, writing sample and list of three references to Michele Mekel.